Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 15 Lives in Edo State

Lassa Fever has claimed 15 lives in Edo State, according to Dr. Ojeifo Stevenson Ojeifo, the Director of Public Health at the Edo State Ministry of Health. During a public health emergency operations center review meeting in Benin, he disclosed that the state recorded 1,163 suspected cases as of May 7, 2026, with 82 cases confirmed.

The fatalities were reported across five local government areas: Etsako West with 54 confirmed cases and eight deaths, Esan West with 11 cases and three deaths, Akoko Edo with four cases and two deaths, Etsako Central with two cases and one death, and Egor with two cases and one death. Dr. Ojeifo noted that there were few confirmed cases of monkeypox and dengue fever, with no deaths attributed to these diseases.

He assured residents that the state government is making adequate preparations for the treatment of Lassa Fever cases at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of strengthening the state's capacity to respond effectively to public health emergencies.